what is the difference between vinyl and nitrile gloves

While nitrile gloves are typically more expensive than vinyl gloves, they offer many advantages over vinyl gloves. The main question to consider when choosing disposable gloves is which are appropriate for the task at hand.

The purpose of this guide is not to provide you with definitive answers about which type of glove is better. Instead, it will provide information about nitrile and vinyl gloves so that you can make your own decision based on your needs.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber with flexibility, long-life durability and chemical resistance. Nitrile rubber is a synthetic elastomer designed to resist moisture. Disposable nitrile gloves are flexible and durable, making them ideal for industrial tasks, the food industry and healthcare applications.
Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber called acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. This material provides the user with greater tactile sensitivity, allowing you to pick up small objects such as screws and pins more accurately. They are also more resistant to punctures.
Disposable glove materials were originally developed to address the common problems of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex gloves and low protection against solvents.

Nitrile Gloves Uses

Nitrile gloves are used for a variety of industrial, domestic and healthcare purposes. Nitrile gloves are a popular choice for health care workers, dentists, beauty store owners, healthcare providers, laboratory work, food handling, chemical handling and general industrial tasks.
Nitrile protective gloves can also be found in the automotive and cleaning industries. Nitrile has been found to be more durable than vinyl when used for gripping tasks with power tools and for picking up tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers.

Nitrile Gloves Benefits

Because nitrile is naturally oil resistant, it can provide additional protection for personnel working with oily substances. Nitrile gloves offer many advantages, including:

High resistance to oils, fats and petroleum-based products
Excellent puncture resistance
High level of touch sensitivity
Mimics the fit and feel of latex gloves
Best suited for high-risk situations around infectious materials
Lightweight, breathable material for ease of use
Available in powdered and powder-free options
Can be worn for longer periods of time

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are also made from synthetic polymers, but are typically less thick and therefore less durable. Vinyl is ideal for non-hazardous situations, but does not have the flexibility of nitrile. Vinyl gloves are made from a blend of synthetic rubber, plasticizers and an additive called PVC. They are also a good choice for those who suffer from latex allergies.

Vinyl Glove Uses

Vinyl gloves are often used for food handling, food preparation, low-risk healthcare applications, light cleaning work, and repetitive assembly line or manufacturing tasks. Because of the low level of protection provided, these products are typically used in non-hazardous situations and low-risk infection environments. They are well suited for the food and beverage industry.

Vinyl Gloves Benefits

The least expensive option, making them cost effective
Resistant to water, oils and fats
Better suited for low-risk tasks and non-hazardous materials
Antistatic, latex-free, protein-free and non-allergenic
Best for short-term tasks
Lightweight powder, making them easier to put on

Which is better

Nitrile and vinyl gloves each have advantages and disadvantages that make them better suited for specific tasks. Nitrile is more resistant to chemicals, extreme temperatures and grease Vinyl gloves are resistant to water, oil and fat, but not as durable as nitrile gloves. It is important to ask what your specific needs are and then choose the glove that best meets those needs. We want you to be better able to decide which type of glove is best for each task. We can meet your needs.

Please contact TITANFINE if you have any questions. We'd be happy to help you further!